If you use a particular light bulb for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent - which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Each energy efficient bulb fitted could give you an estimated saving of €10.50 off your energy bill per year.

Television, Hi-Fi and Computers

Switch off your TV, DVD and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60% of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on. Also don't forget to turn your computer monitor off, as it too wastes electricity if left on.

Switching Energy Supplier

It is worth shopping around to save money on your energy bills, further discounts are available if you switch both gas & electricity to the same supplier. It is a simple process and there is no disruption to your existing energy supply.

Nor does it need to be expensive:

All of this may sound expensive, but energy savings doesn't have to cost anything.

Lighting:

Keep your curtains or blinds open to use daylight instead of turning on lights. For more privacy, use light-coloured, loose-weave curtains to allow daylight into the room. Also, decorate with lighter colours that reflect daylight.

Timers:

Use the timer on your immersion heater. This should supply you with enough hot water as and when you need it.

Driving:

Drive sensibly; driving such as speeding, and rapid acceleration and braking, wastes fuel.

Hot Water:

Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of hot water in a short period of time.

Did you know?

Leaving a PC, computer monitor and printer on overnight will use on average of 3.85kWh and will result in carbon dioxide emissions of 2.31kg. This is the equivalent of driving a car 14km.